KATIE SWAN suffered a straight-sets defeat to 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys as British interest in the Wimbledon women’s singles draw came to an end.
The 27-year-old wild card hailed her first-round win over Irina-Camelia Begu as her greatest moment on a tennis court after overcoming career-threatening injury issues to return to the All England Club.
But she was unable to reach the third round for the first time following a 6-1 6-4 loss to world number 22 Keys.
Two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist Keys has pedigree on grass, having last week lifted her third Eastbourne title, in addition claiming the Birmingham crown a decade ago.
The 26th seed was gifted the opportunity to serve for the match at 5-4 up after Swan hit the net with a poor forehand.
And she duly took it, coming back from 30-0 down to convert her third match point and set up an all-American showdown with either last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova or fellow former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
Tennis icon set to become oldest singles competitor at Flushing Meadows since 1981 after receiving wild-card entry — yet another historic moment in a career already filled with them, writes HOWARD FENDRICH


